Chelsea Havko

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Editor in Chief

  For the 2017-18 school year, Dr. Eric Sparkenbaugh is the new Director of Academic Achievement for grades 5-12 and Support Services for grades K-12.  Leaving his guidance counselor position, he stepped into the position vacated by Scott Millborn.

  In his new position, Sparkenbaugh makes certain that all curriculum throughout the district matches common core standards and that courses are aligned for all grade levels. Sparkenbaugh also plans professional development activities and coordinates student support services, overseeing the counseling department.

  This year, Sparkenbaugh is excited to work with staff he never had the opportunity to work with before.

  “My new position allows me to learn about the district as a whole. In the past I’ve been a principal at the elementary level and a guidance counselor at the high school, but I’ve never had the opportunity to work at David E. Williams. In this position, every day so far has been great and I look forward to interacting with Montour staff I haven’t been able to work with before,” stated Sparkenbaugh

  Since he’s never worked at David E. Williams, Sparkenbaugh believes the most challenging part of his switch will be familiarizing himself with all of the courses and curriculum at the middle school.

  Sparkenbaugh’s least favorite part of his new position is not being able to do everything he would like to do. As an administrator, he has a lot of tough decisions to make. Sparkenbaugh realizes he’s not going to make everybody happy, but he strives to do what’s best for the students and the district. He misses interacting with students on a daily basis, as he did when he was a guidance counselor. Nonetheless, he is optimist for this school year.

  Sparkenbaugh said, “My goals this year are to enhance student opportunity and to achieve and help promote a family learning culture.”

  Sparkenbaugh’s love of education started back in college. After going to Bucknell University for a degree in psychology, one of his professors encouraged him to take an education course. Sparkenbaugh enjoyed interacting with students so much he decided to pursue a career in education. He went to Duquesne for his Masters Degree in counseling and finally to Pitt for his doctorate in education. After college, Sparkenbaugh got a job at Montour in counseling. Trinity Area School District hired him as their vice principal the next year. After only one year, Montour hired him back as the principal of Ingram, then Forest Grove, and finally as a high school guidance counselor. Of his 25 years in education, Sparkenbaugh has worked at Montour for 24. This year is his first as the Director of Academic Achievement and Student Support.

  In his free time, Sparkenbaugh likes live music, sporting events, traveling, and cooking. His favorite thing about Montour is that it has provided him with numerous opportunities and it has always been home to him.

  “If I could tell students one thing,” Sparkenbaugh said, “it would be to always do your best and treat others nicely.”